Nature

There are many natural attractions within 5 minutes drive:

April, May and June Tour Brochure

July and August Tour Brochure

September and October Tour Brochure

web site: www.fs.fed.us/mntp

The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie was established in 1996 and is the first national tallgrass prairie in the country.  Located on 7,200 acres, Midewin has miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. This incredible preserve gives visitors an opportunity to look back in history and see the land as our ancestors did when they first arrived here. There are also opportunities for wildlife and bird watching, nature tours, geology tours, and deer hunting. It is administered by the U.S. Forest Service, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and with the support of hundreds of volunteers and partner agencies, businesses, and organizations. 

30239 S. State Route 53       
Wilmington, IL
(815) 423-6370
www.fs.fed.us/mntp

DesPlaines Conservation Area
DesPlaines Conservation area is a public access recreation area off of I-55 about 5 miles south of I-80. There are public boat launches to access the Illinois River with fantastic boating, water and jet skiing and fishing. There are also opportunities for camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and hunting.

24621 N. River Road
Wilmington, IL

(815) 423-5326

Kankakee River
The Kankakee river has several access points within a 10 minute drive. The beautiful waterway has a abundance of fishing and boating opportunities. There are also fantastic hiking and camping opportunities at nearby Kankakee State Park .

5314 West Rt. 102
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
(815) 933-1383 http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/KANKAKEE.HTM